9 Reasons Why You Will Love Visiting Croatia

When speaking about Croatia, the well-known saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” is true! Croatia is a country of crystal clear sapphire waters, unlimited sun, lively ancient walled towns, miniature villages, and Mediterranean food delights. If this sounds like a dream, here are nine more reasons to spend your next summer holiday in Croatia.

1. The excellent climate

Croatia is one of Europe’s sunniest places. The Adriatic coast’s climate is mild, and you can enjoy cool, rainy winters and tropical hot summers with infinite sun. The fun fact is that Hvar, a trendy destination for many (even world-famous celebrities), is the sunniest island in the Adriatic. It gets an astounding 2843 hours of sun per year. That’s also why it’s known as “Sunny Hvar.”

2. Homeland to 1200 Islands

Croatia is a homeland of more than 1200 islands, isles & reefs and a nearly 2000 km long coastline. But enough with the big numbers, you need to know that all islands have perfect connections and distances between islands are very short compared to some other islands in Europe. For example, the second-largest historic town in Croatia, Split, is only 45 minutes away from the charming island of Brač if you decide to travel by ferry. These short distances make Croatia an excellent place for easy travel and superb for cruising because you can visit a different place each day. Some of Croatia’s top islands are Hvar, Brač, Korčula, Kornati Archipelago, Mljet, Vis, Krk, Lastovo, Pag and Baska on Krk Island.

3. Good value for the money

Even though Croatia is a top-rated tourist destination, you don’t have to fear high prices that will instantly make your head spin in recent years. If you are travelling on a budget, the good news is that you can easily still find some good value. To put it into perspective, if you travel to Split and sit inside the trendiest lavish restaurants, then yes, the price will be higher, but not unbearably high.

You can get an excellent dinner (drinks included) for less than € 50. If you book early, you can also get good value for food and accommodation. If hotels are not your cup of tea and your budget is more flexible, there are popular cruise possibilities, and renting a boat might be your perfect choice for a summer holiday in Croatia.

4. Heritage Towns

Croatia’s coastline has a natural, captivating beauty, but her exquisite medieval and ancient towns, enriched by culture, give her a distinctive final touch. You can visit the most stunning towns surrounded by crystal clear sea and high steep mountains that frame a city panoramic view in the distance. Explore the atmospheric, almost entirely preserved remains of Roman ruins such as Diocletian’s Palace in Split, which still lives today and was even used as a “Game of Thrones” filming location.

Or the famous city Dubrovnik and its old town’s ancient walls and extensive cultural heritage. Get lost among the ancient temples, an amphitheatre in Pula, narrow maze streets, columns and underground cellars. You’ll find many more of these hidden gems no matter which town you decide to visit. Unwind and experience a taste of easy-going life on the Mediterranean Sea.

5. National Parks

Croatia is one of the countries with the highest number of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Goods. But that’s not all. Croatia itself is a country known for its preserved nature and beauty. It has 11 nature parks, eight spectacular national parks, and two nature reserves. Some are the Unesco-listed National Park & Waterfalls Krka National Park, Plitvice Lakes National Park and others such as National Park Mljet, The Kornati Islands National Park, etc.

6. The best beaches in the world

When you visit the beaches of Croatia, you will smell fresh pine trees, salt in the air, and the relaxing sounds of crickets chirping under the sun. The sea is extraordinarily refreshing, completely safe, and crystal clear, with various blue shades, like some hypnotizing magic that calls you to jump in and swim. There are many small pebble beaches around the coastline, completely untouched.

Many of these secluded beaches are accessible only by the sea, and that’s how nature and the appeal of some beaches can be preserved. One of the well-known and beloved beaches is Zlatni Rat on the island of Brač. Its unique shape and large size give that beautiful, distinctive look, which is why you see it on many travel brochures. If you like a busy and cheerful atmosphere, this would be the perfect option.

7. Summer festivals

There are plenty of summer festivals in Croatia, summer cinemas in the outdoors, and an entertaining nightlife scene to explore while visiting towns and islands. Every year, Croatia hosts many open-air cultural festivals, well-known international performers, and DJs that gather crowds of thousands worldwide. Ultra Europe in Split is one of the major music festivals. Each year, a tiny but stunning hilltop village called Motovun hosts an annual international film festival in the open air, with 70 films and organised after-parties held within medieval walls. And indeed there are many more such events so you won’t be bored.

8. Delicious food and wine

Croatian cuisine is quite heterogeneous and has had many influences since every region has its distinguishing culinary traditions. So it’s safe to say you’ll find something you like. The roots of these culinary delights date back to ancient times. The coastal region offers delicious Mediterranean cuisine infused with homemade olive oil, herbs, and spices grown and produced on islands. Croats are keen on preserving their culinary tradition. That’s why you often find restaurants that proudly cook from their old grandma’s recipe books.

You can expect fresh fish, fruits, and vegetables in popular local markets where local agriculturists sell their products at affordable prices. If you want to know where the food comes from, ask for more information; they will gladly give you some insights. Many top-notch restaurants in cities will make even the harshest critics speechless.

9. The Sailing

Apart from the historic towns, the Croatian coastline has many beautiful islands. Each holds its secrets and delights that you shall explore and experience. That’s why island hopping by sailing and yacht is a fun and popular way of exploring these islands and tiny traditional villages. Some beaches are inaccessible from the road, and secluded bays hide away the most stunning beaches in the world, so this is an excellent way to experience it all.

Life on islands is still very authentic, with traditionally built homes made from white stone produced on the island Brač, local people who are very friendly, open and easy-going. The beaches are clean and surrounded by a beautiful, calm sapphire sea. Aside from natural beauty, island food comes with the best view.

Croatia is a top-rated country worth visiting, and it must be on your summer holiday list when travelling to Europe.

Guided Trips and Tours of Croatia

If you plan to visit Croatia in the Summer this year, check out these guided day trips and multi-day tours (sailing and boat tours).

Pin it for later!

Related Posts:

Baska Krk Island

A Day Trip From Split To Krka N.P.

All Europe Destinations

Go Back To Rocky Travel

First published in 2018, last updated in March 2024